Thoughts and Prayers, Again

Gov. Reynolds is still praying and, I guess, thinking.

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds released this boilerplate “thoughts and prayers” statement regarding the one-year anniversary of the school shooting in Perry, Iowa.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, January 4, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Mason Mauro, (515) 745-2840, mason.mauro@governor.iowa.gov

Gov. Reynolds Releases Statement on Anniversary of Perry High School Shooting

DES MOINES— Gov. Reynolds provided the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting at Perry High School that killed two and injured six others:

“A year ago, the unthinkable happened here in Iowa. Time has passed, but the painful loss remains,” Governor Reynolds said. “Today, we remember Principal Dan Marburger—a hero who gave his life to save his students—and Ahmir Joliff—a bright young man with his whole life ahead of him. Kevin and I continue to pray for the injured, their families, the faculty, staff, students, and the entire Perry community that has valiantly grown stronger as they rebuild.”

I received the Governor’s “statement” via email today. Frankly, I find it offensive. It has become political standard-operating-procedure, especially for Republicans, to avoid saying anything of substance during times of catastrophe, calamity and strife by offering their “thoughts and prayers.”

Perhaps it has become acceptable in the eyes (and ears) of some for elected officials to lift up their “thoughts and prayers” at the moment of crises like these. But this boilerplate communications set-pieces has, for me, worn extremely thin.

Moreover, after an entire year of thinking and praying, Governor Reynolds, you should be able to come up with more than just, “I’m still thinking and praying.”

I honor those who lost their lives — Principal Dan Marburger and student Ahmir Joliff — as well as those injured in the attack, the families of the lost and injured, the faculty, staff and the entire Perry community. I have prayed for them, and likely will again, in fact I’m doing so right now.

I have also thought, long and hard, about Perry and the hundreds of other American communities that have endured similar attacks. I have also thought long and hard about many other issues. But never have I offered either my prayers or my thoughts as a substitute for action to improve either the world or my little corner of it. I have often taken action by first speaking and writing about it, but I always strive to ensure that those spoken or written words are backed up by action on my part.

“Action without thought is empty. Thought without action is blind.” Kwame Nkrumah

Today is no different. Governor Reynolds, a year ago, you offered “thoughts and prayers” for the people of Perry. Today you offered “thoughts and prayers” again. My response, written down here, that I will back up with further writing and action, is this - bullshit, Governor Reynolds, bullshit.

And until such time as you, the elected Governor of the great state of Iowa, have something to offer in the way of solutions to the challenges faced by Iowa’s students, educators, families and all of the rest of us, keep them to yourself. I am weary of your “thoughts and prayers” with neither purpose nor action.

John B. Crabtree